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Ireland will look to end their five-match ODI series against Afghanistan on a positive note when the two teams meet in the fifth and final ODI at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Stormont, Belfast, on Saturday, August 15. The hosts have already conceded the series after Afghanistan registered a 42-run victory in the fourth ODI to take an unassailable 3-0 lead.
Ireland’s campaign has been disappointing, but there have been some encouraging individual performances. Andy Balbirnie struck a century in the fourth ODI, while Curtis Campher also made an impressive 84. However, Afghanistan’s batting depth and bowling quality have consistently kept Ireland under pressure.
With the series already decided, Ireland could be tempted to make a couple of changes and give opportunities to players who have not featured regularly. However, the hosts are likely to retain most of their experienced core as they look to avoid a 4-0 series defeat.
1. Paul Stirling (c)
Paul Stirling is expected to continue opening the innings and lead the side. The experienced all-rounder returned to Ireland’s ODI setup for this series after recovering from injury and was named captain for the assignment.
Stirling’s aggressive approach will be important against Afghanistan’s new-ball attack. Ireland need a strong start, and the veteran opener remains their most destructive option during the powerplay.
2. Andy Balbirnie
Andy Balbirnie should continue at the top of the order after producing one of Ireland’s best individual performances of the series.
The right-hander scored a superb century in the fourth ODI, providing the backbone of Ireland’s chase of 344. His 109 demonstrated that he can counter Afghanistan’s bowling attack when he spends enough time at the crease.
Another substantial contribution from Balbirnie could give Ireland the platform they need to finally put Afghanistan under pressure.
3. Andy McBrine
Andy McBrine could occupy the No. 3 position. The experienced left-handed all-rounder provides stability with the bat while also offering valuable off-spin.
Against Afghanistan’s strong batting lineup, McBrine’s bowling could also become an important tactical option, particularly during the middle overs.
4. Harry Tector
Harry Tector remains one of Ireland’s most important middle-order batters and should retain his place.
Tector possesses the technique to build an innings and the range of shots required to accelerate later. With Afghanistan likely to employ Rashid Khan and other spinners in the middle overs, Tector’s ability to rotate the strike will be crucial.
5. Curtis Campher
Curtis Campher should continue at No. 5 after another encouraging performance in the fourth ODI.
Campher smashed 84 during Ireland’s chase and briefly raised hopes of an unlikely victory. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him one of the most valuable players in the Irish setup.
Ireland will hope he can produce another impactful performance in the series finale.
6. Lorcan Tucker (wk)
Lorcan Tucker is likely to retain the wicketkeeping duties. The right-handed batter offers another aggressive option in the middle order and has considerable experience in international cricket.
With Afghanistan possessing a world-class spinner in Rashid Khan, Tucker’s ability to attack spin without losing his wicket will be an important aspect of Ireland’s batting strategy.
7. George Dockrell
George Dockrell could feature at No. 7, providing Ireland with another experienced spin-bowling all-rounder.
His left-arm orthodox spin can be useful against Afghanistan’s right-handed-heavy batting lineup, while his batting experience gives Ireland additional depth.
8. Gavin Hoey
Gavin Hoey could retain his place after showing promise during the series. The leg-spinner was Ireland’s top scorer in the third ODI, making 36 when the hosts were bowled out for 206.
His ability to contribute in both departments gives Ireland a useful option in the lower middle order.
9. Mark Adair
Mark Adair should lead the pace attack. The bowling all-rounder offers Ireland an important combination of pace, bounce and lower-order hitting.
He will be expected to attack Afghanistan’s top order with the new ball before returning to bowl at the death.
10. Ben Calitz
Ben Calitz could continue as another pace-bowling option. The youngster received his maiden ODI call-up for the series, with Cricket Ireland keen to provide opportunities to emerging players.
His ability to generate movement in Stormont conditions could make him an interesting weapon against Afghanistan.
11. Liam McCarthy
Liam McCarthy is likely to complete the XI as another specialist seamer. He provides Ireland with additional pace-bowling depth and can be used across different phases of the innings.
With Afghanistan’s batting unit having scored 343/9 in the fourth ODI, Ireland’s bowlers will need to be significantly more disciplined in the finale.
Ireland Predicted Playing XI
Paul Stirling (c), Andy Balbirnie, Andy McBrine, Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker (wk), George Dockrell, Gavin Hoey, Mark Adair, Ben Calitz, Liam McCarthy
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